Peru’s world-champion boxer Kina Malpartida did not disappoint fans on Sunday night, when she defeated Brazilian contender Halana Dos Santos by technical knockout to defend her WBA super-featherweight world title.
“This is a dream come true,” said Malpartida, shortly after her victory in Lima’s Coliseo Eduardo Dibos Dammert. “It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, and it brings me great joy to dedicate this victory to Peru. I dedicate this triumph to the poorest, to those who struggle, to all of Peru and to my father.”
Malpartida, also known as Dynamite, overpowered Dos Santos with her lightning-quick and explosive punches. A technical knockout was called after 20 minutes in the seventh round of a scheduled 10-round bout.
Malpartida’s technical knockout – the third of her career – sent Dos Santos to the mat more than once.
“I don’t know why the judge ended the match,” said Dos Santos. “Kina won and undoubtedly deserves to keep the crown and the world title, but the judge’s decision was rushed and I finished the fight standing.”
“Everyone saw the match,” said Malpartida in comments to daily Peru21. “They know who was winning. Dos Santos kept complaining about punches below the belt. It was obvious that she didn’t want to fight. If I got close, she would cling on to me, or avoid me… she has a big mouth, and too much talking opens the door to defeat.”
Malpartida – the first Peruvian woman to hold a world boxing title – snatched the vacant WBA super-featherweight title in New York’s Madison Square Garden last month, by sending previously undefeated Bronx boxer Maureen Shea to the mat. A stoppage was called 25 seconds from the end of the ten-round bout.
Canadian fighter Olivia Gerula is expected to be Malpartida’s next challenger. According to WBA regulations, Malpartida must defend her title before October.
On April 9, 2009, in front of a sold-out house at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Canada, Olivia “The Predator” Gerula Olivia won a ten-round unanimous decision over Jelena Mrdjenovich for the WBC super featherweight world title.
